The Minnesota Retailers Association is excited to welcome our new government relations manager, Savannah Sepic.

Savannah was born in Rochester, Minnesota but has spent much of her life in Madison, Wisconsin. This past May, Savannah graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire with a double major in political science and advertising.

Savannah recently moved to St. Paul and is already enjoying exploring Minnesota and all it has to offer, including our vibrant retail community.

Savannah served as a legislative intern at the Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce where she organized Chippewa Valley Rally, a grassroots member activity similar to MnRA's annual Retail Day at the Capitol. In addition, Savannah researched chamber policies and helped members engage with elected officials.

Following graduation and through the 2018 election, Savannah ran a field office for a political party in Hudson, Wisconsin.

Politics and membership organizations are second nature to Savannah as she grew up accompanying her father--a veteran of the chamber of commerce and association industry--to board meetings.

"I am excited to learn the ins and outs of the association, along with diving into the issues important to our members," said Savannah. "I look forward to meeting everyone and the start of the 2019 legislative session."

Retail Entrepreneur and 36 Lyn Refuel Station Owner Lonnie McQuirter Selected As 2018 Minnesota Retailers Association Board Chair

Lonnie McQuirter has been elected chair of the Minnesota Retailers Association (MnRA). In late January the Board of Directors gathered and selected McQuirter to lead the organization representing 1,200 retail stores. The volunteer leadership role is for one year and encompasses leading a group of 28 Board members from across the state and a staff focused on growing Minnesota’s retail economy and jobs.

McQuirter operates 36 Lyn Refuel Station, a convenience store based in south Minneapolis. 36 Lyn is focused on providing customers with local and better-for-you-items delivered in a convenience setting. Last year 36 Lyn was honored with Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal’s Fast50 award as and Inc. magazine's Inc. 5000 as a top Minnesota company.

McQuirter is optimistic about the overall retail environment, saying “Broadly speaking, as retailers we know what headwinds we’re facing, and we are adapting to the shifts taking place in the economy. 2018 is more about reminding people of the importance of our growing industry and all the opportunities involved.”

McQuirter succeeds Grand Jeté small business owner Ruthena Fink. “We are excited to have Lonnie and his love of community help guide the Association in a time when retailers are revitalizing their in-store and online experiences,” said MnRA staff president Bruce Nustad. “And we thank Ruthena for her inspired leadership throughout 2017.”

The Minnesota Retailers Association supports retailers to the benefit of their customers, their communities, their employees, and our state economy. Retail impacts one in five Minnesota jobs. Learn more at www.mnretail.org.

The Minnesota Retailers Association (MnRA) proud to announce the winners of the 2017 Minnesota’s Retail Champion Awards.

Winners will accept their awards in person during the inaugural Retail Rally event on Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017 at the Opus College of Business at the University of St. Thomas (1000 Lasalle Ave,, Minneapolis) beginning at 5:15 p.m.

“We are proud to recognize 12 innovative retailers and partners that rose to the top following a robust process to identify Minnesota’s Retail Champions,” says Bruce Nustad, Minnesota Retailers Association president. “The retail industry has a deep impact on Minnesota communities, and these award recipients are truly representative of what’s great about retail across the state.”

The 2017 Minnesota’s Retail Champion Award recipients are:

Academic Partner of the Year
University of St. Thomas

Best Place to Work
Thrifty White Pharmacy

Customer Experience
Uffda Shop

Elected Official of the Year
Minneapolis City Councilmember Blong Yang

Advocate of the Year
Steven Rush, Holiday Companies

Outstanding Achievement
Maureen Bausch, Minnesota Super Bowl Host Committee

Retail Community of the Year
Hopkins Business & Civic Association

Retail Employee of the Year
Brooke Borg, 36 Lyn Refuel Station

Retail Innovation
Duluth Pack

Retailer of the Year
Norby’s

Social Responsibility
Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity ReStore

Vendor Partner of the Year
Master Technology Group

The Minnesota Retailers Association started the award process by putting out a statewide call for nominations in the 12 categories.  A panel of peer judges reviewed nearly six dozen nominations and selected the top nominee in each category.

Tickets to the reception and awards are available online at RetailRally.com.